Humpback Puffer

Pao palembangensis

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Other names: Palembang puffer, Palembangensis, Tetraodon palembangensis

Group: Oddballs and specialty fish · Family: Tetraodontidae · Origin: Southeast Asia — Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra and Borneo

A calm-looking ambush puffer with a humped back and dark stripes that reaches 20 cm. It can wait for days without moving and eats infrequently; it is kept alone in a tank with a large footprint.

Will it suit my tank?

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH
Adult size: 20 cm
Minimum tank size: 150 liters
Social structure: Solitary
Swimming zone: Bottom
Diet: Carnivore
Breeding: Egg scatterer

Water parameters

Temperature24–28°C

pH6.5–7.5

General hardness (GH)5–15 dGH

Recommended range

Fin nipper Eats small fish Eats shrimp Eats snails Suitable for planted tanks At most 1 per tank

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

The humpback puffer is recognized by its humped back, which becomes more pronounced with age, and its dark-striped pattern. It is a puffer that waits motionless and ambushes its prey; in the aquarium it spends most of its time in a corner without moving. It reaches 20 cm and is long-lived. Its calm appearance is misleading: it attacks any creature that comes near it.

Tank Setup

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

At least 150 liters for a single individual; a large footprint.
Sand substrate, a few large rocks and roots; minimal but sturdy decor.
25–27°C, water close to neutral; no salt needed.
A powerful filter and regular water changes; remove leftover food immediately.

Diet

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Carnivorous. It is fed snails, mussels, shrimp and fish fillet; shelled foods are needed to wear down the teeth. It eats infrequently; two to three meals a week are enough for adults, and overfeeding leads to obesity.

Behavior and Compatibility

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

An ambush predator; although it looks slow and motionless, it bites with sudden strikes.

Good companions: none; it must be kept alone.

Avoid: all fish, shrimp, snails.

A short profile for this species

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Natural Habitat Group and Colony Structure Breeding Health and Common Problems Sexing

Tank mates

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